Beth <BR>Saw that you posted today, wondered exactly when you had returned. <BR>So, how was Venice and the rest of Italy over the New Year? <BR>Did you get your brother a jacket? <BR>Did you find any helpful "models" <BR>Anyone throw any dinnerware at you on New Years Eve? <BR>Waiting with baited breath. <BR>Hope you had a real blast!

Beth, how did the jacket shopping go? Any good stories from your trip?

Hey! thanks for the welcome back. I got back Saturday... wow what a trip. My first time to Italy. <BR> <BR>I have not had time to put together a 'real' trip report yet - but I have been lurking here. (of course) I plan to take the laptop home this weekend & get something assembled! <BR> <BR>I did get my brother a jacket - I saw many potential models (oh my gosh are Italian men good looking! those eyes!) and I did meet a "dood" to hang out with for a few days in Florence - no sparks, but cute & REALLY friendly (20 is a leetle young for me, but fun to spend time with!). The various shop owners/salesmen were more than happy to model the coats (one told me I had to hug him, to see if the coat fit him properly - ha ha!) <BR> <BR>I saw no flying dinnerware on New Years Eve. I did find though that wearing a goofy hat and streamers makes you even more approachable. <BR> <BR>I really want to go back soon. I am actually thinking of a villa & car rental type trip, or a bike trip, (or combination) maybe this summer? If I can find friends who want to make the jaunt with me (not as easy as it sounds, I am unique among my friends in my overseas travel passion, believe it or not) I'm going to look into that. Plus I turn 35 (gasp) this June so a nice little milestone birthday party! <BR> <BR>more later... how are your plans coming along? <BR> <BR>Beth <BR> <BR>ps. Nancy, you will be glad you are studying Italian - not that I found it was so necessary, but it makes it so much more fun! I found that for the basics, your English will be fine. (which was frustrating, in a way - I wanted to really use my Italian but found that most people switched over to English) <BR> <BR>But to actually get to talk to people who AREN'T providing you lodging or food - use your Italian. Leon (my new Italian amico) was so patient - I was like a little 5 year old - "come se dice in Italiano" this, that, everything! <BR>

Beth, <BR>Thought your posting was just a figment of my imagination ! <BR>Can't wait to read more. <BR>Glad you had a good time , and had fun shopping for your brother's jacket. <BR>Our plans are coming along. <BR>Have to do the auto rental for our 2nd week, but places to stay are all settled. <BR>I can well imagine your disappointment when trying to speak italian, and getting responded to in english! <BR>I keep practicing my little "speeches" I want to use for the hotel, etc. <BR>But, no matter what, I will prevail and practice when possible. <BR>Hope you get there again, as soon as you can.Maybe a 35th present to yourself? <BR>Was this your first time in Italy? <BR>Until later. <BR> <BR>

oops, so eager to read your post, didn't pay attention. <BR>Always got me in trouble in school on tests. <BR>Ignore question about first time in italy.